LOVE GOD’S WORD & PRAYERDaily Bible Reading |
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| At Faith Baptist Fellowship, we Love God’s Word and Prayer. We strongly believe that every growing disciple of Jesus needs to be regularly hearing from God through His word and personally speaking back to God through prayer. If regular Bible reading is not yet a habit of yours, this is a great way to get started!
We are encouraging everyone to continue our Daily Bible Readings. We will provide devotional thoughts and helpful prayer points on the passages. The weekend material will prepare you for the upcoming Sunday sermon as well as provide some discussion help for Faith Groups. We encourage you to set aside at least 15-20 minutes a day for reading and prayer. If you fall behind, just start on the current day. Try to develop the habit of reading at the same time and place. Have a journal and pen for answering questions and recording your thoughts and insights. For additional Bible reading plans, check out faithsf.com. Enjoy your time in God’s Word and Prayer! |
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Monday, November 21Read 2 Corinthians 11 |
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| THINK: With a “divine jealously”, Paul asks the church at Corinth to bear with him in “a little foolishness,” continuing his defense against his adversaries. He points to their self-centered boasting and contrasts that with his own boasting in Christ. What is Paul afraid will happen if they listen to those who proclaim a different gospel (v.3-4)? What is at the center of Paul’s boasting (v.10)? How does he describe these enemies, and who is their head (v.13-15)? What is their fate (v.15)? Despite all Paul’s hardships listed in verses 24-27, what is the condition of his heart towards the churches (v. 28)?
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| PRAY: Pray that God would protect Faith from false teachings. Pray for strength and deep conviction for our pastors to remain anchored in the true Gospel. Ask God for a heart that is “true in Christ”. Pray for a heart that has a “divine jealousy” towards the church, deeply concerned for those who attend Faith, and one that regularly prays for them. Thank you for your earnest prayers for West Campus!
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Tuesday, November 22Read 2 Corinthians 12 |
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| THINK: There’s nothing to gain in boasting, but Paul is clearly communicating that he has personal, apostolic experience of God’s grace in the “third heaven” – that is, in the very presence of God. To keep him from conceit, God has also given a thorn in the flesh, something to remind him of his human weakness. Memorize v. 9! Paul’s critics (whom he dubs ‘super-apostles’ with irony) are the true fools. Why would the Corinthians be foolish to follow them? Why might Paul have to mourn when he arrives to visit the church? | ||
| PRAY: What “thorn” (hardship or challenge) has God given in your life to keep you humble and trusting him? Pray that God’s power and strength shine in your weakness, that your faith be a testimony to others. Pray that our church is a true beacon of light, pointing needy people to Jesus and his great salvation. Pray that our Christ-like character is evidence of his Holy Spirit’s presence and power in our church. Thank you for your earnest prayers for South Campus!
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Wednesday, November 23Read 2 Corinthians 13 |
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| THINK: Read Deuteronomy 19:15 and I Timothy 5:19. Those in need of repentance had sufficient time to do so. Patient pleading should not be confused with weakness. Have you recently examined yourself as to the state of your faith and walk with Christ? Do you act in accord with biblical truth? What is Paul’s goal in calling upon sinners to repent? In the context of the entire letter, what would “live in peace” look like? What is the fellowship of the Holy Spirit?
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| PRAY: Pause for some moments to take stock of your faith. Ask God to reveal areas of weakness in your walk with Jesus. Pray, repenting of sin, confessing it, asking for the Spirit’s help to change direction. Is reconciliation or restoration needed in any relationships? Ask God to help you pursue restoration where there is brokenness. Ask God to help you, and our church, live in Christian truth and peace. Pray for our nation on this Thanksgiving Eve. We know that the needs are great, but the greatest need of all is for people to know Jesus Christ and walk with him. Pray for a movement of the Holy Spirit in revival and awakening in our land.
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Thursday, November 24Read Titus 1-2 |
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| THINK: What a glorious calling Paul has! What are the qualifications of elders? (The terms elder/overseer are likely interchangeable.) On the other hand, who are a danger to the church? What evidence shows that a profession of faith is false? Why is sound doctrine so important? What does maturity look like in older men and women? Who should teach the younger women? Notice how Titus’s life is to confirm the reality behind what he teaches. What “adorns” the doctrine of our Savior, Jesus Christ? How are believers to wait for the second coming of Jesus Christ?
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| PRAY: Much was said in these two chapters regarding Christian maturity: for leaders and followers, for men and women, young and older. What stood out to you as you reflect on your own maturity? Pray about the things that come to mind. Ask God to help you grow into maturity in Christ. Ask him to help you bear good fruit, the fruit of a life that has been transformed by grace and is filled with the Holy Spirit. Happy Thanksgiving! Thank be to God our Father!
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Friday, November 25Read Titus 3 |
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| THINK: Paul continues to contrast Christian maturity with sinful immaturity. List the items in the two contrasting descriptions:
Maturity in Christ:
Immaturity/Sin:
Now write out verses 4-7 in your own hand:
What should elders do with a divisive person?
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| PRAY: Pray through the lists. Then praise God for your salvation.
Ask God to work powerfully in you to bring you to maturity in Christ. Pray also that our church show evidence of a growing maturity.
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Weekend, November 26-27Read Luke 1:1-25 |
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| If you’ve fallen behind this week, consider using these extra days to catch up. You can also prepare your heart and mind for this Sunday’s worship service. Read the planned sermon text above and the thoughts below in advance of Sunday morning’s message. If you are in a Faith Group, consider discussing the questions below together.
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| THINK: Who was Dr. Luke writing to? What was his goal? What was unique about Zechariah and Elizabeth? What amazing declaration did the angel make to Zechariah? What was to be the destiny of the child born to Elizabeth? What crucial mistake did the priest make in responding to the angel Gabriel? Fulfilled! The promise of a son is fulfilled as Elizabeth conceives. Thanks be to God. Read Isaiah 40:3-5 and Malachi 3:1.
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| PRAY: Pray for our pastors as they prepare and preach on this first Advent series message. Ask God to be preparing your heart for the coming celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Consider how you will make Advent (the Christmas season, a time of anticipation) special in your home. Resources are available in our Resource Center (bookstore) for your family.
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| FAITH GROUP: Discuss as a group how you (individually, as a couple, or as a family) make Advent special. What could you do? Share your ideas and experiences to enrich and help one another. | ||